Car Hire in Athens
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Cheapest Car Hire Rates
Athens Airport
Mini
Renault Twingo
or comparable
£1.61
per day
Athens Airport
Economy
Skoda Fabia
or comparable
£2.26
per day
Athens Airport
Compact
Peugeot 308
or comparable
£2.78
per day
Athens Airport
Mini Elite
Fiat Panda
or comparable
£4.35
per day
Most Popular Car Hire Deals
Athens Koropi
Intermediate
Toyota Corolla
or comparable
£6.35
per day
Athens Airport
Economy Elite
Hyundai i10
or comparable
£9.57
per day
City Centre
Compact Elite
BMW 1 Series
or comparable
£11.51
per day
Athens Airport
Intermediate Elite
Peugeot 308
or comparable
£12.44
per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 03:11 on 19/11/2024. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
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Travel Information
Languages
Greek
Currency
EUR
Drive on
Right-hand side
Dialing code
+30
Average car hire price
£6 per day
Average car hire length
8 days
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Speed limit out of city centre
90 - 130 km/h or 56 - 81 mph
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Average petrol price
£1.56 per litre or £5.90 per gallon
Lowest petrol price
£1.44 per litre or £5.46 per gallon
Highest petrol price
£1.67 per litre or £6.31 per gallon
Why hire a car in Athens?
Athens is a fascinating city to explore. Both ancient and modern, this sprawling metropolis has countless landmarks, distinct neighborhoods, and beautiful nature areas. Many interesting places, such as Hellenic monuments and small, charming villages are also located nearby.
One-way Car Hire in Athens
The most popular one-way car hire options for pick up in Athens and drop off in another city include:
- From Athens to Thessaloniki - 340 offers from £5.94 per day
- From Athens to Corfu - 135 offers from £21.04 per day
- From Athens to Preveza - 67 offers from £23.44 per day
- From Athens to Kalamata - 152 offers from £18.43 per day
- From Athens to Kefalonia - 95 offers from £30.75 per day
Top ways to enter Athens
- Athens Airport: By far the largest in Greece and among the 30 busiest in Europe, flying to Athens Airport is the best way to reach the Greek capital. The airport is about 30 km (18 mi) from the city center.
- Volos Airport: Only open during the summer months, and served by a few low-cost carriers, Volos Central Greece Airport is about a three hour ride north of Athens.
- Kalamata Airport: Like many others in Greece, this airport serving the large southern Peloponnese city is mainly active during the summer months. It is about three hours west of Athens.
- Thessaloniki Airport: The third busiest airport of Greece ,serving its second city, is about a five hour ride north of Athens. Arriving in one and leaving the other will give you a big opportunity to see a lot of mainland Greece.
City facts
- Athens enjoys a warm Mediterranean climate. Summers are dry and extremely hot, with temperatures often reaching 35 °C (95 °F). Remaining properly hydrated is very important. Winters are more humid, but mild, with the average temperature around 10 °C (50 °F) in January and February.
- The birthplace of democracy and the leading city of politics and culture during early classical antiquity, Athens was inhabited long before. With a history of human settlement going back for 7000 years, Athens is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
- Although the population of Athens Municipality is only 660,000, nearly 4 million people, or more than every third inhabitant of Greece, live in its wider metropolitan area. It is one of the largest and most densely populated cities in the European Union (EU).
Top sights and activities
- Acropolis. Once a fortified town of what was then Athens and dating back as early as the Bronze Age, the Acropolis is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the main symbols of the city. Visit landmarks such as the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, and Theater of Dionysus. Then check out the Acropolis Museum or take a walk to the nearby Hill of the Muses and Hill of the Nymphs, two other ancient landmarks.
- Mount Lycabettus. According to a legend, the most important summit of Athens was created by the goddess Athena when she dropped a limestone that she was carrying. Nowadays you can ascend the mountain via a funicular. The view from the top reveals not only the rest of Athens, but also, on a clear day, the Peloponnese peninsula.
- Odeon of Herodes Atticus. This ancient outdoor theater, built by a Greek magnate and sophist that gave it his name, has been hosting plays for nearly 2,000 years and continues to do so to this day. Even if you’re not visiting on a day when there’s a performance, you can still appreciate the magnitude of the stone theater, have a nice walk around it, and appreciate the local flora and fauna that includes tortoises.
- National Archaeological Museum. Covering thousands of years from prehistory until late antiquity, this is one of the most comprehensive and interesting history museums in Europe. The museum has an impressive collection of Cycladic and Mycenaean art, as well as the art of cultures from the wider Mediterranean Basin which includes Egypt and the Middle East. The museum is located in central Athens and can be easily accessed from anywhere in the city. Visit the official website to learn more about the collection and admission.
Traffic and parking
- Unless specifically indicated otherwise, the speed limits are 90 km/h (55.9 mph) on roads outside populated areas and 50 km/h (31 mph) in populated and built-up areas.
- While the larger roads are in good shape, some of the smaller, rural roads might have poor surfacing and potholes. Be careful when driving on them, especially after dark.
- Many gas stations might be closed during weekends and public holidays.
- It is illegal to use a mobile phone while driving.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.02% for novice drivers. Exceeding these limits can lead to high fines and a licence ban. Exceeding the limit of 0.08% is a criminal offence and can lead to up to two years of imprisonment.
- The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
- The general emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112. The police number is 100, the ambulance number is 166, and the fire brigade number is 199.
Toll roads
There are a number of toll roads, tunnels, and bridges on mainland Greece. Many travelers find them very hard to navigate and some choose to avoid using the toll roads altogether because of the very complex toll system that is in place. Different toll roads are administered by different private companies and so there is not a single, nationwide (or even region-wide) system in place.
For most toll roads, payment can be either made with cash at a toll gate, by a credit card, or with coins at an automatic toll machine. For some roads, an electronic transponder might be used to pay for using the toll road. Some rental cars may be equipped with such an electronic transponder. However, because of the aforementioned different toll systems that are in place, this payment method might work for some toll roads, but not for others. Determine out your route in advance and ask your car rental provider about the best way to pay for all the toll roads that you plan to use.
Ideas for day trips
- Parnitha National Park. About one hour’s drive from downtown Athens, this green area has many gorges, caves, springs, and dense forests that you can explore along its hiking paths. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the red deer that live in the park’s territory.
- Epidaurus. Once a ritual site for the worship of Asclepius, the Greek god of medicine, this place southwest of Athens is famous among locals both for its alleged healing properties and the incredible acoustics of its old theater. The theater is about a two-hour drive from the capital, with the road mostly hugging the Megara Gulf.
- Thebes. Mentioned both in Greek myths and written records of the many empires that ruled the area, Thebes is another world-famous historical location. Walk through the ruins of Cadmea Fortress or pay a visit to the stunning Archaeological Museum of Thebes. From Athens, it’s only a tad more than one hour’s drive north.
- Eleusis. Nowadays a small northwestern suburb of Athens, during the prehistoric period, Eleusis was the center of the Eleusinian Mystery religion. A cult of fertility goddesses Demeter and Persephone, it was largely secret, so not much information about it has survived until the present day, but fascinating bits and pieces can be found in the Eleusis Archaeological Museum. The city is also home to the ancient Christian church of Agios Zacharias and the factory of Kronos, a highly original industrial building that has been turned into an ecomuseum. Situated on the northern bank of the Gulf of Elefsina, the trip from Athens takes about 25 minutes by car.
Most popular cars
The most hired cars in Athens are the Renault Clio, the Fiat 500, and the Opel Corsa. The most popular car type is an economy, closely followed by mini and intermediate.
Further destinations
For more about traveling around Greece with a car, check out our complete guide.
- Thessaloniki. The second city of Greece is a fascinating place to explore thanks to its impressive architecture, long crescent-like beaches, and unique traditions. It also serves as a great base for the exploration of the rest of Northern Greece with its mountains and many wildlife areas.
- Nafplio. A small, but very interesting town, Nafplio is a mix of Hellenic, Byzantine, and Ottoman influences that you notice in its architecture and cuisine. After the hustle and bustle of the capital, from which it is about 140 km (85 mi) southwest, Nafplio is a great place to relax and explore.
- Peloponnese. Traditional, hospitable, and fiercely proud, the people of the Peloponnese peninsula make it a unique destination to explore. As characterized by the olive trees of Kalamata as it is by the sites of Sparta and Olympia, the region is also known for its untamed natural beauty. Ancient Corinth, itself one of the main attractions of the Peloponnese, is only an hour’s drive west of Athens; you can explore the rest from there.
- Crete. The largest of Greece’s countless islands, Crete has something for everyone. Many travelers tend to stick around Heraklion and Chania, its two largest cities, but do get in a car and go to see the rest of the island - its real beauty is in its rugged beaches outside tourist resorts, small mountain villages, and pristine wilderness. Keep in mind that while you can take a car on a ferry from Athens to Crete, ask your car rental provider first if they permit it. Alternatively, you can drop off your car in Athens and pick up another in Heraklion or Chania.
Car hire prices in Athens
- Convertibles - starting at £9 per day
- Station wagons - starting at £11 per day
- Large cars - starting at £6 per day
- Medium cars - starting at £3 per day
- People Carriers - starting at £23 per day
- Premium cars - starting at £45 per day
- Small cars - starting at £2 per day
- SUVs - starting at £3 per day
Money-saving and other tips
These are some of the things to keep in mind when booking a car in Athens:
- Compare rates of different car hire companies
- Book your car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit during the month when the prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Athens is the cheapest in January when hiring a car is about 58% cheaper than the yearly average and a whopping 80% cheaper than hiringa car in August.
Top 17 cities near Athens
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48.1 km / 29.9 miles
-
135.5 km / 84.2 miles
-
143.2 km / 89 miles
-
191.8 km / 119.2 miles
-
194.9 km / 121.1 miles
-
218.4 km / 135.7 miles
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262.7 km / 163.2 miles
-
269.5 km / 167.5 miles
-
297.9 km / 185.1 miles
-
299.2 km / 185.9 miles
-
302.3 km / 187.8 miles
-
305.8 km / 190 miles
-
342.5 km / 212.8 miles
-
395.6 km / 245.8 miles
-
404.5 km / 251.3 miles
-
406.2 km / 252.4 miles
-
417.9 km / 259.7 miles
Top 20 locations near Athens
-
19.1 km / 11.9 miles
-
133.2 km / 82.8 miles
-
135.5 km / 84.2 miles
-
142.1 km / 88.3 miles
-
194.9 km / 121.1 miles
-
218.4 km / 135.7 miles
-
269.5 km / 167.5 miles
-
290.8 km / 180.7 miles
-
297.9 km / 185.1 miles
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299.2 km / 185.9 miles
-
300.1 km / 186.5 miles
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302.3 km / 187.8 miles
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305.8 km / 190 miles
-
308.2 km / 191.5 miles
-
310 km / 192.6 miles
-
395.6 km / 245.8 miles
-
396.9 km / 246.6 miles
-
404.5 km / 251.3 miles
-
417.5 km / 259.4 miles
Map of Car Hire Destinations
In which month is car hire in Athens the most affordable?
According to our data, prices for hiring a car in Athens fluctuate depending on the time of year. This graph displays the average hire prices in each month in order to help you find the best bargain.
Average price for hiring a car per day in Athens
The best month to hire a car in Athens is January (when the average price is £8.35 per day). This is 52% less than the yearly average and 78% less than hiring in August (when the average price is £38.29).
This information can help you determine the low season. But note that these prices are only averages. The cost of your car hire is determined by the type of car you select, the length of time you hire it for, and how much in advance you book. Simply select your dates in the form at the top of the page to find out the exact prices.
This information can help you determine the low season. But note that these prices are only averages. The cost of your car hire is determined by the type of car you select, the length of time you hire it for, and how much in advance you book. Simply select your dates in the form at the top of the page to find out the exact prices.
What's the usual period for which people keep their hire cars, on average, in Athens?
Car hire lengths vary from month to month: in July, the average hirer keeps their car for 9 days, and in January, they keep their car for 7 days.
Average number of hire days in Athens
What is the most favoured month for hiring a car in Athens?
Given the number of searches made by our customers, the most popular month for hiring a car in Athens is August, and the least popular is February.
Popularity of Car Hire in Athens by Monthly Searches
Car hire information
| Car hire locations | 21 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Avance, Centauro, Record-go, Alamo, Ok Mobility |
| Popular car categories | Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, People Carriers |
| Lowest price | £2 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Selecta rent a car |
Most popular car models of suppliers
| Hire Agency | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Centauro | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Avance | Citroen C3 | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Centauro | Peugeot 208 | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Ok Mobility | Fiat Panda | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Record-go | Opel Crossland | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Avance | Fiat Panda | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
| AddCar | Volkswagen Up | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Avance | Skoda Citigo | 2 | 1 | Small cars |
| Centauro | Peugeot 308 | 4 | 2 | Medium cars |
| Record-go | Fiat Panda | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
Our customers' reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have the option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic.
CP
United Kingdom
Skoda Citigo
10/09/2024
Nice food. Good weather and lovely seaside!
GV
United Kingdom
Fiat Panda
12/08/2024
Beach
PP
Slovenia
Citroen C3
26/06/2024
We had a ride through Peloponez and it was amazing
MP
United Kingdom
Suzuki Swift
03/06/2024
Peloponese beaches and crystal clear torquise waters near Kalamata and Stoupa.
PM
United Kingdom
Peugeot 301
27/01/2024
We drove from Athens to our second home in Parga. The drive is stunning, especially Rio bridge. The weather wasn’t brilliant in January so we didn’t go sightseeing but had a couple of days out in Preveza and a trip to Igoumenitsa for shopping and lunch and an afternoon taking 3 friends down the coast for lunch.
SA
Australia
Land Rover Range Rover Velar
24/01/2024
Took a luxury car and did a smooth road trip around Greece
MH
United Kingdom
Nissan Qashqai
09/11/2023
We were touring Greece for the archiological sites, spending a couple of days in each location. If I were doing it again I would have got a shuttle service into Central Athens (which is traumatic to drive around esp at night) and hired the car from the point of leaving the city.. irrelevant to the car hire we did book a bogus villa (Expedia) that impacted the overall holiday experience.
IM
United Kingdom
Fiat Panda
25/09/2023
all excellent
SH
United Kingdom
Ford Puma
30/08/2023
Drove to Delphi and then Meteora from Athens. Top notch.
JH
United Kingdom
Volkswagen Golf
15/08/2023
Porto Cheli and surrounding areas (2hrs 30 mins from Athens) is phenomenal.
PH
United Kingdom
Nissan Juke
13/07/2023
Beaches, historical sites, restaurants, relaxing, exploring.
MW
United Kingdom
Citroen C3
23/06/2023
Drove across the Peloponnese peninsular, it was great.
VW
United Kingdom
Fiat Talento
18/04/2023
Had a great time travelling around Greece.
PM
United Kingdom
Peugeot 301
04/03/2023
The car was mainly to get us from Athens to Parga which is a 5 hour drive. I opted for 1600cc automatic and it was a joy to drive, satnav included so we did visit Ioannina which was beautiful. We had the joy of Carnival in Parga which was a first for us 🥳 
DD
United Kingdom
Peugeot 108
20/08/2022
Excellent, efficient and courteous service, highly recommended! Made my trip to Southern Lakonia and unique Monemvasia an absolute delight! Of course the islands are fabulous but there is a lot to discover on the Mainlaind too! 
LH
United Kingdom
Suzuki Swift
14/08/2022
We toured around from Athens (no car in Athens itself, that would be unnecessary and a nightmare!). We went to Nafplio, Mystras, Olympia and Delphi and the places were all incredible plus the driving to them was easy. Would definitely recommend this route as it lets you see the main sites plus is circular.
AL
United Kingdom
Hyundai i20
29/07/2022
Great experience would recommend and will use Greenmotion again !
PW
United Kingdom
Suzuki Celerio
15/09/2021
Great experience overall. You have to get a minibus to pick up the car but we didn't wait.
KW
United Kingdom
Suzuki Baleno
31/08/2021
I was researching not touring
ES
United Kingdom
Citroen C1
15/07/2021
Athens is a very historical place.Has many beautiful beaches to visit west and east coast.Beautiful mountains with amazing views of Athens.Ymitos is the best.Vouliagmeni lake is a must see.
Live your myth in Greece!
Car Hire Statistics
Highest-rated company
Alamo
9.2 / 10
Lowest-rated company
GreenMotion
5.5 / 10
Total number of reviews
313
Total rental companies
46
Average daily price
£6.36
Lowest daily price
£1.61
Total cars available
2702
Top 46 suppliers in Athens in 2024
Alamo
1 location
£9 - £63
Avance
3 locations
£7 - £86
EXER
1 location
£12 - £32
Cargini
1 location
£4 - £30
Yours Car Rental
2 locations
£6 - £86
Enterprise
3 locations
£8 - £95
Autounion
5 locations
£8 - £77
SIXT
2 locations
£9 - £64
Autocandia
2 locations
£21 - £56
Record-go
1 location
£2 - £32
Hertz
7 locations
£10 - £159
National
1 location
£11 - £76
Selecta rent a car
2 locations
£2 - £89
Thrifty
10 locations
£10 - £78
Keddy
3 locations
£9 - £36
Budget
4 locations
£10 - £48
H-Lead Hospitality
2 locations
£11 - £45
Europcar
4 locations
£8 - £42
CarQ
1 location
£4 - £30
Ok Mobility
1 location
£4 - £54
Goldcar
1 location
£7 - £28
Alma Car Hire
2 locations
£15 - £93
WheeGo
3 locations
£2 - £619
OTOQ
1 location
£2 - £619
AddCar
2 locations
£3 - £57
DRIVE S.A.
1 location
£4 - £39
Avis
4 locations
£13 - £76
Surprice
2 locations
£9 - £61
drive365
1 location
£9 - £61
ABBYCAR
1 location
£12 - £47
King's Car Rental
1 location
£13 - £30
Flexways
2 locations
£13 - £30
Dirent a car Greece
2 locations
£9 - £53
Drive Rent A Car
1 location
£9 - £53
Street Rent A Car
1 location
£7 - £23
SKG Rent A Car
1 location
£8 - £45
Firefly
1 location
£8 - £45
Idea Mobility
2 locations
£5 - £34
Finalrentals
2 locations
£5 - £34
Carwiz
2 locations
£3 - £51
Centauro
1 location
£2 - £24
Modi Rent
6 locations
£22 - £137
ACARENT
2 locations
£91 - £1,267
Optimo Rent
1 location
£91 - £1,267
RightCars
1 location
£91 - £1,267
GreenMotion
4 locations
£3 - £134
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